Pablo Sandoval is hopeful he'll be able to extend his career with the SF Giants after undergoing Tommy John surgery

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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 14: Pablo Sandoval #48 of the San Francisco Giants celebrates a two run home run during the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Oracle Park on June 14, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)

OAKLAND — Pablo Sandoval’s eyes welled up with tears as he started to talk about his relationship with Bruce Bochy.

“He’s like my dad,” Sandoval said. “He always wants the best for me. He always cares about me.”

What’s best for Sandoval is what’s worst for Bochy. During the first week of September, the 33-year-old infielder will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery to reconstruct his right elbow.

“Selfishly, sure I’d love to have some fun with him here the last five or six weeks and hopefully longer,” Bochy said. “He’s just so much fun.”

Bochy had grand plans for Sandoval. In the final days of his 13th season with the Giants, he expected to help Sandoval become the sixth player in MLB history to play all nine positions in the same game.

This is Pablo Sandoval talking about the possibility of getting one more at-bat this season.

A lot of raw emotion here and it’s clear how much of a team-first player he is. Notes he doesn’t want to make an out. pic.twitter.com/2e3XfPPGXh

A scheme to showcase and celebrate the versatile infielder has been scrapped, but it’s possible Sandoval’s August 11 pinch-hit single against the Phillies won’t be his last at-bat this season. If Sandoval can manage the discomfort, Bochy would like to send him to the plate one final time when the Giants return home to China Basin next week.

“I’d love to,” Bochy said. “If he’s able to and if it would work out, I’d love to see that.”

Sandoval said he feared the idea of making an out for a Giants team that’s still chasing a Wild Card berth, but he indicated the chance to suit up for Bochy would be worth the pain.

“If he wants me to go there and play, I’ll take one more at-bat for him,” Sandoval said.

Regardless of whether Sandoval steps on the field again this year, his days with the Giants could be nearing an end. Trainer Dave Groeschner said the organization will check in with Sandoval throughout his rehab process, but the Venezuela native will become a free agent this offseason.

It’s hard to know what the market will look like for a veteran utility player coming off major surgery, but Sandoval is optimistic he could return to the field in about six months. The return timetable from Tommy John surgery is much longer for pitchers, but Sandoval cited the successful, speedy six-month recoveries of players such as Didi Gregorious and Shohei Ohtani as a rationale for his positive outlook.

“This is not the end of my career,” Sandoval said. “I’m going to come back stronger.”

Signing a contract with an American League team could make sense for Sandoval, who will be able to serve as a designated hitter sooner than he’ll be able to play third or first base. Bochy won’t be at the helm next year, but if the Giants have interest in a reunion this winter, Sandoval already knows where he’d like to continue his career.

Sandoval has an extensive injury history and has previously undergone season-ending surgery twice in his career. In May, 2016, Sandoval had an operation to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. In August, 2018, an awkward slide into home plate resulted in a torn hamstring that ended his season ahead of schedule.

The Giants’ 2018 season spiraled out of control shortly following Sandoval’s hamstring injury and Bochy said the club has already felt the impact of his absence this year.

“We missed him on that last road trip in that Chicago series,” Bochy said. “We lose two close games, three games could have gone either way and you’ve got to think that he would have played a part in that.”

The Giants have several strong candidates, but Sandoval should remain one of the favorites to win the 2019 Willie Mac Award which is annually given to the team’s most inspirational player. Sandoval’s story is one of redemption, as there was a point in time when it appeared he would never be welcomed back in the Giants clubhouse.

After signing a five-year, $95 million contract with the Boston Red Sox following the 2014 World Series, Sandoval made several disparaging comments about the organization. Even after the Red Sox designated him for assignment in July, 2017, a reunion with the franchise that signed and developed him appeared extremely unlikely, but the Giants ultimately took a chance on bringing Sandoval back into the fold.

What resulted is a comeback tale that’s been one the highlights for a team and manager that have suffered through challenging losing seasons. At various low points along the way, Sandoval provided infectious energy and a spark in a new role off the bench.

His passion for the game and desire to contribute in any capacity the Giants needed made Sandoval a fan favorite in San Francisco.

Now, fans are left to wonder if they’ll ever see him wear the orange and black again.

Kerry Crowley is a multimedia beat reporter covering the San Francisco Giants. He spent his early days throwing curveballs in San Francisco’s youth leagues before studying journalism at Arizona State University. Kerry has covered every level of baseball, from local preps to the Cape Cod League, and is now on a quest to determine which Major League city serves the best cheeseburger.